Context:

1. Semiconductor unit in Uttar Pradesh
2. Historic Operation: 31 Naxalites killed at Karreguttalu Hill

Cabinet approves semiconductor unit in Uttar Pradesh

Context :

• Cabinet Approval: Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approves 6th semiconductor unit under India Semiconductor Mission.
• Joint Venture: The approved unit is a collaboration between HCL and Foxconn, two major players in hardware and electronics manufacturing.
• Location: The plant will be established near Jewar Airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) zone, Uttar Pradesh.

Relevance : GS 3(Technology)

What is a Semiconductor?

A semiconductor is a material with conductivity between a conductor and an insulator.

• Key trait: Conducts electricity under specific conditions.
• Common materials: Silicon, Germanium, Gallium Arsenide.
• Used in: Chips for phones, computers, cars, defense, etc.

What is a Semiconductor Unit?

A semiconductor unit is a facility that makes semiconductor devices (chips/ICs).

• Includes:
  • Design (fabless)
  • Fabrication (fabs/foundries)
  • Assembly & Testing (ATMP/OSAT)

Unit Specifications

• Purpose: Manufacture display driver chips for:
  • Mobile phones
  • Laptops
  • Automobiles
  • PCs
  • Other digital display devices
• Design Capacity:
  • 20,000 wafers per month
  • 36 million chips output per month

Investment & Economic Impact

• Investment: ₹3,700 crore (approx. $450 million)
• Strategic Value: Boosts India’s semiconductor ecosystem & contributes to Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).

Semiconductor Ecosystem Development

• National Spread: 5 other units already in advanced construction stages across India.
• Design Ecosystem:
  • Present in multiple states
  • Backed by state governments actively promoting design firms
• Academic & Start-up Collaboration:
  • 270 academic institutions involved
  • 70 start-ups working on chip design
  • 20 chip designs by students taped out by SCL Mohali

Eco-System Partnerships

• Equipment Suppliers in India:
  • Applied Materials, Lam Research (global semiconductor equipment leaders)
• Chemical & Gas Suppliers:
  • Merck, Linde, Air Liquide, INOX, and others preparing to meet the rising demand.

Why It Matters

• Growing Demand: Surge in semiconductor use due to:
  • Laptops, smartphones, and servers
  • Medical and power electronics
  • Defence & consumer electronics
• Strategic Autonomy: Reduces import dependence, aligns with national security and economic goals.

Achieving a historic success in the resolve of a ‘Naxal-free India’, security forces kill 31 Naxalites in the biggest-ever operation against Naxalism at Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) on Chhattisgarh-Telangana border

Strategic Success in Anti-Naxal Operations

• Historic Operation:
  • Largest-ever anti-Naxal operation in India.
  • Conducted at Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border.
  • 31 Naxalites killed .
  • 21-day-long operation (April 21 – May 11, 2025).

Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security)

• Key Forces Involved:
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  • Special Task Force (STF)
  • District Reserve Guard (DRG)
  • Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA)
  • Coordinated under Joint Action Plan by Centre and Chhattisgarh Government.

Significance of Karreguttalu Hill (KGH)

• Former stronghold of PLGA Battalion 1, CRC, DKSZC, Telangana State Committee.
• Used for training, planning, weapon-making by Naxalites.
• Region is 60 km long, 5–20 km wide, with rugged and cave-filled terrain.

Planning and Intelligence Coordination

• A multi-agency special team handled:
  • Tech and human intelligence
  • Real-time updates to field commanders
• Precision planning avoided IED casualties and enabled detection of hideouts.
• Logistics mobilization, continuous troop rotation ensured sustained operation.

Impact and Recoveries

• Bodies of 31 Naxalites recovered; 28 identified with ₹1.72 crore bounty.
• Destroyed 214 hideouts/bunkers, 4 technical units (for BGL shells/IEDs).
• Seized:
  • 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 Codex bundles, detonators
  • 12,000 kg food, arms, explosive materials, medicines.

Casualties and Health

• Zero fatalities among forces; 18 personnel injured by IEDs — all stable.
• Operations continued despite 45°C+ heat, dehydration, and hostile terrain.

Statements by Leadership

• Amit Shah:
  • KGH now hoists the tricolour, once ruled by “Red Terror”.
  • “India will be Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.”
  • “An example of Whole-of-Government approach and centre-state coordination.”
• Forces praised for bravery, discipline, and morale under adverse conditions.

Trends & Statistics (2014 vs 2025)

6 most affected districts : 4 districts from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), 1 from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and 1 from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli).

 Long-Term Outcomes

• Fragmentation of Naxal groups into smaller units.
• State control expanding in strongholds like Maad (Narayanpur) and National Park area (Bijapur).
• Development initiatives + security build-up helping reduce Naxal influence.